Unconventional Paths to a Career at Leidos
One of the most compelling aspects of Leidos is its commitment to hiring individuals from various fields and backgrounds. For instance, consider the story of Maria, who transitioned to a technology role after spending over a decade as a professional dancer. Maria's artistic background has equipped her with a unique approach to problem-solving—valuing creativity and collaboration. "In dance, you're constantly adapting to new situations and working closely with diverse teams," she explains. "Those skills translate well into technology, where innovation is key." Similarly, James, a former military veteran, found his niche in cybersecurity at Leidos. His military training provided him with indispensable skills in strategic thinking and resilience. "The transition was challenging, but my experience in the armed forces taught me to think on my feet and handle high-pressure situations," James shares. His unique perspective not only benefits his team but also contributes to a broader understanding of security challenges faced by defense organizations.
Encouraging Non-Traditional Skills
Leidos values the unconventional paths its employees take because they often bring unique skills that traditional candidates may lack. For example, Emily, who majored in philosophy, uses her analytical thinking and ethical reasoning to tackle complex project decisions. "Philosophy taught me to question assumptions and consider multiple viewpoints," she notes. This ability to think critically is crucial in a tech-driven environment where innovation often hinges on challenging the status quo. The company recognizes these diverse skill sets and actively seeks to nurture them. Leidos has implemented mentorship programs that pair employees from non-traditional backgrounds with seasoned professionals. This initiative fosters an inclusive environment where knowledge-sharing can thrive, leading to innovative solutions that might not have emerged from a more homogenous workforce.
Impact on Company Culture and Innovation
The stories of employees like Maria, James, and Emily reveal how unconventional career paths contribute to a rich and vibrant company culture at Leidos. Their varied experiences foster collaboration and encourage creative thinking, ultimately driving innovation. Leidos understands that a diverse workforce can better address the complexities of the modern technological landscape, leading to more effective problem-solving and enhanced project outcomes. Moreover, the company’s commitment to diversity extends beyond recruitment. Leidos actively promotes initiatives that celebrate different backgrounds, such as cultural awareness training, employee resource groups, and collaborative projects that highlight diverse perspectives. These efforts not only enhance employee engagement but also position Leidos as a forward-thinking leader in the industry.
The unconventional paths to careers at Leidos serve as a testament to the power of diversity and the importance of embracing unique experiences. By hiring individuals from varied backgrounds, Leidos cultivates a dynamic workforce capable of driving innovation and tackling complex challenges. The stories of employees like Maria, James, and Emily illustrate that success does not always follow a straight line; instead, it can flourish through creativity, resilience, and diverse perspectives. As Leidos continues to evolve, it stands as a beacon for those considering non-traditional career paths, proving that every journey can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career in technology and defense.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, Raytheon Technologies
Core Responsibilities
Analyze and respond to security incidents, identifying vulnerabilities and threats to sensitive data.
Develop and implement security policies and procedures to safeguard information systems.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security measures and promote awareness.
Required Skills
Strong knowledge of security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001) and risk management principles.
Proficiency in security monitoring tools and intrusion detection systems.
Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+.
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
Leidos, Amazon, Google
Core Responsibilities
Design and implement automated tests to ensure software quality and functionality.
Collaborate with developers to identify test requirements and improve code quality.
Analyze test results and provide feedback for continuous improvement in the development process.
Required Skills
Proficient in programming languages such as Java, C#, or Python for test automation.
Experience with testing frameworks (JUnit, TestNG) and CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab).
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail to troubleshoot issues effectively.
Data Scientist
Leidos, IBM, Deloitte
Core Responsibilities
Analyze complex datasets to extract actionable insights and inform strategic business decisions.
Develop predictive models and machine learning algorithms to enhance operational efficiency.
Communicate findings to stakeholders through visualizations and reports to drive data-driven decisions.
Required Skills
Expertise in statistical analysis and data visualization tools (R, Python, Tableau).
Strong understanding of machine learning techniques and frameworks (scikit-learn, TensorFlow).
Excellent communication skills to articulate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Human Factors Engineer
Leidos, Boeing, Northrop Grumman
Core Responsibilities
Conduct research and analysis on user behavior to improve product design and usability.
Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure products meet user needs and safety standards.
Develop prototypes and conduct usability testing to gather user feedback for iterative design improvements.
Required Skills
Strong background in psychology, ergonomics, or related fields with a focus on user-centered design.
Proficiency in usability testing methods and tools (e.g., eye-tracking, surveys).
Ability to communicate findings effectively to multidisciplinary teams.
Project Manager - Technology Initiatives
Leidos, Accenture, Lockheed Martin
Core Responsibilities
Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of technology projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
Facilitate communication between stakeholders, teams, and clients to manage expectations and resolve issues.
Monitor project timelines, budgets, and resources to deliver projects on time and within scope.
Required Skills
Strong organizational and leadership skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams.
Proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) and tools (JIRA, Trello).
Relevant certifications such as PMP or Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).
